MTN8 semi-final 2nd leg confirmed: Who will reach the final?

by Chumasande Matiwane

The stage is set for a dramatic finish to the 2026 MTN8 semi-finals, with the Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirming the dates, venues and kick-off times for the decisive second-leg encounters. 

Also see: Sundowns face tricky test against Orbit College as Betway Premiership title race heats up

Defending champions Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows both take one-goal advantages into the return fixtures, but Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns will have home support behind them as they look to overturn their respective first-leg deficits. 

According to the official PSL fixture list, the second legs will be played on Saturday, 29 August and Sunday, 30 August, with both matches scheduled to kick off at 15:00. 

Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United

  • Saturday, 29 August 2026 
  • Kick-off: 15:00 
  • Venue: Orlando Amstel Arena, Soweto 

Orlando Pirates head into the second leg with a slender advantage after beating Sekhukhune United 1-0 at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium last weekend. 

Deon Hotto scored the decisive goal in the first half, giving the Buccaneers an important away victory and putting them within touching distance of another MTN8 final. 

Pirates are chasing a fifth consecutive MTN8 title, having dominated the competition in recent seasons. However, Sekhukhune remain firmly in the contest and know that a victory in Soweto could turn the tie around. 

The return leg is particularly significant for Babina Noko, who reached the semi-finals after a thrilling 4-3 extra-time victory over AmaZulu in the quarter-finals. 

With just one goal separating the sides, the tie remains delicately poised heading into Saturday’s clash.

Golden Arrows vs Mamelodi Sundowns

  • Sunday, 30 August 2026 
  • Kick-off: 15:00 
  • Venue: King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Durban 

Golden Arrows produced one of the biggest results of the MTN8 semi-final first legs when they stunned Mamelodi Sundowns 1-0 at Lucas Moripe Stadium. 

Sede Junior Dion scored in the first half to give Arrows a valuable away win and leave Sundowns needing to overturn the deficit in Durban. 

The result was particularly impressive given Sundowns’ dominance during large portions of the match. The Brazilians created opportunities but struggled to convert them, while Arrows made their chance count. 

Sundowns, however, have already demonstrated their ability to survive difficult MTN8 ties. They needed extra time to beat Polokwane City 3-2 in the quarter-finals, with Cassius Mailula scoring the decisive goal. 

Arrows will now try to protect their advantage and reach the MTN8 final, while Sundowns will look to use home pressure in the first leg to their advantage. 

Also see: Orlando Pirates crowned Betway Champions 

Everything to play for

The two semi-final ties are finely balanced despite the first-leg results. Pirates and Arrows have the advantage, but neither can afford to sit back with only a one-goal cushion. 

For Pirates, progression would keep their bid for another MTN8 crown alive. For Sundowns, overcoming Arrows would be an important response after suffering a rare home defeat. 

With the final places at stake, supporters can expect another weekend of high-stakes knockout football when the MTN8 semi-finals reach their conclusion. 

Also see: Pirates send title warning as Chippa ease relegation fears in decisive Betway Premiership weekend

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